The word pansy comes from the French word “pensee”, meaning thought or remembrance. The plants we now call “pansies” originated in England around the early 1800′s. Pansies are actually hybrid flowers from several different species of the Melanium section. Pansies are from the Genus Viola and showcase different colors on each beautiful bloom.
In Forth Worth, Pansies are best planted in the fall and grow very well in cooler fall temperatures, and even in light winter temperatures. Pansies have the ability to withstand light snows, however, don’t completely thrive in areas that sustain longer, colder snow periods. Planting pansies in the fall is best when the soil temperatures reach between 45 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Pansies are hardy in zones 4-8, but when planted through zones 9-11, they can sustain blooms over the winter so long as the winter is mild.
Because of their beautiful color combinations, pansies are a garden favorite for gardeners who love simple yet full growth and blooms. Pansies planted in full sun will reward us with an awesome color display all winter long. They tolerate part shade, only if the shade is from a tree that drops its leaves during the winter months allowing sunlight to penetrate through the tree. If planted in a shady location the plants tend to stretch in search of more light and become leggy with little or no bloom production. Pansies will continue to bloom all winter long with a little help from you. Once the blooms have faded and begin to die it’s a good idea to remove the spent blooms and stems. If the bloom stem is left attached to the plant it will continue to feed this stem. Once this occurs the plant will slowly reduce it bloom cycle and spend its energy to produce seed.
Visit one of our two Fort Worth area plant nursery locations in Euless and Benbrook to see colorful pansies.
Varieties:
Majestic & Crown
Pansies come in one of three basic color patterns. Blooms can be a single color, such as yellow or blue. A second pattern is a single solid color with black vertical lines reaching from its center. These lines are called “penciling” and are similar to viola markings. The last type of flower is probably the one most familiar to home gardeners. The bloom of this type has a dark center called a “ Blotch” or “face.” Majestic Giants are available with what is referred to as a “Blotch” or “Face”. The “Blotch” is located in the center of each 4” bloom surrounded by assorted solid colors. The Crown varieties are categorized as “Single Clear Color” blooms, these blooms are solid in color with no markings. Pansies come in several other varieties and colors, but we strongly recommend the Majestic Giant and Crown series. These varieties have been used in North Texas for years and are proven staples of a seasonal landscape!
Viola x wittrockiana
Pansies are the number one flowering plant grown in North Texas for the winter. Pansies come in white, yellow, red, orange, blue, purple, pink, and even black. The dark purple and the yellow seem to be the most popular. Pansies can grow in almost any soil condition as long as the area drains well. Pansies can survive through some of the coldest and snowy conditions with little or no protection. Pansies do best planted in full sun, and need to be feed nitrogen often to produce blooms throughout the season. We would recommend feeding your pansies with blood meal occasionally to keep them looking great!
Majestic Giant
This series has large blooms with blotches or faces. They stand up to heat and cold well. There are many solid colors and mixes to choose from. All with faces.
Crown
Clear colors; clear faces with many colors and mixes to choose from. All are early flowering with bright spring colors.
See all Fall flowers.
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